State Advisory Panel (SAP)

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The State Advisory Panel for Special Education (SAP) advises the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports on the provision of special education and related services for students with disabilities. The SAP is comprised of parents, persons with disabilities, educators and administrators as well as representatives from public and private agencies. This diverse group of stakeholders assists the Divisions in addressing a variety of special education issues and topics.

The SAP advises the Divisions on the unmet needs related to the education of children with disabilities within the State and provides feedback on any rules or regulations proposed by the State regarding special education. The SAP is a critical partner in the development of Georgia's State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR). The Panel also advises the Divisions on the improvement activities that need to be developed and implemented in order to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Each year, members review data on the improvement activities included in the SPP and APR and make suggestions for updates to the activities and targets.

The SAP advises the GaDOE in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports under IDEA and advises the GaDOE in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities. The Panel participates in the Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process by recommending target areas for upcoming focused monitoring activities.

If you wish to contact members of the State Advisory Panel in your region of the state or would like to learn more about the Panel, you may contact: